Wiccan Training

Let me start off my apologizing how long it took me to write this. I am a Soldier in Iraq and I kind of put it on hold for a while. But here is what I thought of the Wiccan Basic Training course. The course was really nothing like I imagined. Some of the lessons I found myself engrossed in the lesson and others almost put me to sleep. However, overall I thought it was a very educational course. I did learn a lot of things that I never knew or even thought about, so it opened my horizons with my outlook of life. The first lesson was probably my favorite. I really enjoyed the basic history of Wicca and it motivated me to learn as much as I could about the subject.

Also being from Salem, Massachusetts I felt as if I was a part of it and could relate better. I considered myself a Wiccan before I took the course, but all knew was the basic beliefs of Wicca regarding the Goddess, nothing about spells, magic, etc. Although I consider myself a Wiccan there are certain aspects that I do disagree with. The first being reincarnation. I believe we each have our own individual soul and it is not recycled in another body. Another thing that I disagreed with is how to set up an altar. I believe that the only important aspect of the altar is the pentagram, the rest is pretty much for show. The pentagram represents all the elements of life and I have one tattooed on my arm, so I consider myself my own altar. I have included a picture of my tattoo.

I know there is no right way or wrong way to set up an altar, but I believe my will is the most powerful tool I could use and with the pentagram behind me there is nothing else I need. Dowsing was a very interesting topic that I knew nothing about, I did not attempt to try it however. I do not want to take advantage of the forces, and will only attempt to dowse if I lose something that dramatically affects my quality of life and would recommend the same to others, however that is just an opinion. Not too many people understand what is capable with the human mind, magic, and the forces of nature, which I guess is a good thing, but over using that power can turn something pure into something terrible.

One thing that blew my mind was regarding Halloween and how on that day we tend to be closer to spirits than any other day of the year. The thing that blew my mind was I have felt that way for years before I ever read anything like that. Spells was maybe the part of the course I was looking most forward to. I always assumed that there were set spells, and didn’t know that we could create our own. I mean it makes sense to me now and I can’t believe that I was so naïve to think otherwise. As far as the course affecting my life, I would say it gave me more knowledge on the subject of Wicca and just knowledge in general. Knowledge is power, the more we know the more powerful we can become. In conclusion the course taught me new things, but did not really change my outlook on certain areas.

Rev Jim Stasio Jr.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

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Shamanism

Master of Shamanism

THE NECESSITY FOR A CODE OF ETHICS

Rev. Peggy Mott

In the last lesson of the Shamanism course the question was asked “Why have a Code of Ethics?”. More importantly, that question should have been a statement of fact saying that a Code of Ethics is an absolute requirement. All professions dealing with the personal health, whether physical, mental or social health of the individual should require a Code of Ethics and most do have such a requirement in place. In particular, those professions that are licensed or require state certification do indeed have written requirements that can cause a person to be prohibited from further practice of the profession if that code is violated.

Certain practitioners such as those who engage in practicing Shamanism and some other spiritual leaderships may not necessarily be licensed or certified by any legal entity, yet they still must adhere to a code of ethics whether it be a legal requirement or not. That code can be summed up in a very few words with the main gist being to DO NO HARM!! In other words, the Shaman must not do anything that in any way would cause the person needing spiritual guidance any harm . NO HARM means no spiritual, physical mental or social harm. An addition to that NO HARM requirement is that the practitioner of spiritual guidance should guarantee complete confidentiality to the person with whom they are dealing. This means that not only must the Shaman make that guarantee but that she/he must not violate it in any way.

A Code of Ethics is as necessary for the practice of Shamanism as it is necessary for physicians, attorneys, priests, psychiatrists, psychologists, ministers of any faith or denomination, sociologists and any and all others who practice their professions. It cannot be emphasized enough that that code of ethics must state DO NO HARM!!!!

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

Final Essay on: Spirit Quest

Thank you, for all the “discourses” that you covered in “Spirit Quest”!

I enjoyed all 30 Discourses, several of the courses I already knew about and the others will serve to be very valuable in my life journeys. I especially liked Lesson #8 on “mock ups” and Lesson #29 about “money”.

Lesson #29 about “money”, is a very interesting lesson. Your opening statement of this lesson sums it all up about “money”. And it was an eye awakening to see it in a different light, as you elegantly put it: Well, money itself isn’t necessarily all that much to look at, but really it’s what money symbolizes that is a beautiful thing. On page #2 paragraph 5 is my favorite; People can choose to be happy whether they are rich or poor and they can choose to be unhappy in the same situations. Thank you….

Lesson #8 about “mock up”, “being specific” and “letting go” really hit home. The part about making sure that it’s your “mock up” and not someone else, because you may not be able to fix theirs but yours you may. In your writing you talked about doing something for someone & it wasn’t what they wanted. The situation was the very same thing and it was my own child (she didn’t want to go to college; she wanted to start a family).

All of being specific & letting go is something I had to learn in order for me to be where I am at now. Surrendering is what I was taught in my life as a “minister/reverend”. And how surrendering to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ will set me “free”…..It’s always easy to talk about what we should do and it’s very hard to actually do it! As it has taken me this long in my life to be doing what really makes me “happy” in trying to “guide” people on their path. And once again I thank you for all my new tools that I will be able to use to serve help others.

Reverend Flaviana Kalehua Vidinha

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Comparative Religion

Comparative Religion Essay:

By: Rev Hope Macdonald-Vellone'

Over the weeks of reading and studying the different religions we have in our society, this is what I have concluded about all faiths, religions and spiritually.

In the different religions I have read about, not only in this course, but outside of it as well. I have notice a semi-similar pattern in most of them. Regardless what religion one is, or what path one decides to follow, be it Pagan, Buddhist, Christian or other, I have found a number of contradictions in different faiths. I don't feel the need to point them out, what I would like to point out is the compromise I feel came out of it all.

In each religion or faith one chooses, there are sayings, mantras, or words to live by. In each one of these, they're striving for a better way of life, a better way to treat ones brother, neighbor and friend. The classic “treat people the way you wish them to treat you.”

In some religions, we have gone from one extreme to another. Example being; an eye for an eye, to turning the other cheek. We have seen other religions fast to find a higher enlightenment to meditating and finding it from within. What I have notice has happened over the years is that we are no longer going from one extreme to another, rather we are finding our middle ground. Most faiths have come to a compromise one might say. We remember the days of old and respect them. And in that time came change, as we have blended a new view on our different beliefs.

In the old days, some people would have to hide who and what they were, where as today, it's more open. And though there are faiths that may look down upon whatever belief one might be, there is no longer the fear of being killed for who and what you are. How far we have come in this world to have that kind of openness now. No more killing for being Jewish, Buddhist, Pagan, Christian, or whatever one may be. There is no doubt that this world still has a long way to go for accepting whole-heartedly other people. Yet it's inevitable.

In any case, the most important thing that we all can live by regardless of our faiths is these few words, and see how similar they are to one another.

The Wiccan Reed: "An ye harm none, do what ye will."

Buddhism: Hurt not others in the way you find hurtful."

Islam: "Not one of you is a believer unless he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself."

Native American: "All things are our relatives; what we do to everything, we do to ourselves. All is really one."

Judaism: "What is hurtful to yourself do not to your fellow man."

Christian: "Therefore all things whatsoever you desire that men should do to you, do even so unto them."

Confucianism: "Try your best to treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself."

If ever in these days and times that we could find more of a middle ground in respect to other people regarding their faith, lifestyle or whatever beliefs they may have, it would make this world that much more of a better place. We have these wonderful cultures and wonderful different faiths around this world of ours, that if we opened our minds more to see that though we may have different names for the different deities, it all coincides with one another. What one calls God, others may call Allah, the Goddess, Mother Earth and so on. The story of "The Great Flood" is told in many different cultures with different names of the Ark, the people who built it and sailed upon it to repopulate the earth. It all coincides with different faiths.

In my humble opinion, if we could accept other people for whom and what they are, treat them and respect them the way we wish to be treated and respected, this truly would be a wonderful world. We have people who tried to set examples for us, Gandhi, the Buddha's and Jesus himself to name a few.

I have believed that the different religions and faiths coincide in many ways; this course had confirmed that belief for me in a number of ways. To learn even more about the different religions I had not had a chance to study until this course, it has not only enlightened me with the ideals of their beliefs, but I have even more respect for them as well as my own. I felt it was very well put together, very insightful and I could tell that Rev. Kythera Ann has invested a lot of time into her research and it shows. I do plan on seeing what other courses she has available with ULC.

If there were anything I could change on or about this course, it would be to maybe offer the weekly course printed up and sent via the postal mail as a back-up purpose to those who encounter computer or printer problems. It may defeat the purpose of it being an online course, but I would be more them willing to pay extra for something like that if it were offered. I truly enjoyed this course and feel I have learned a lot from it. Thank you for the opportunity to take it.

Sincerely,

Rev. Hope Macdonald- Vellone'

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit-Quest

Spirit Quest Course Essay

Rev. Tishanne

The Spirit Quest course has been the best course in my opinion for beginning my quest in metaphysics. I found that no matter what personal technique I apply or philosophy the tools I learned in this course have been a continual source of inspiration. Creative visualization and power of thought combined with compassion has opened my eyes or third eye to so much wonderful knowledge. Understanding thought forms in pictures has many implications. Symbols are a universal language that works well with the photo communication.

I also loved the part of the course that deals in negative feelings and how to handle them. I laugh about breaking eggs, haven't done it yet because just thinking about it as an "if all else fails" makes me laugh. Just knowing that you can destroy or blow up a negative thought is empowering. I personally use the sending a "hello" most often. It really helps me deal with split time parenting. Given the insight on how past life episodes can impact our present relations has helped me to understand my family dynamics. I piece it together with dream info for the best view. As a foundation course on energy I think its the best. I have built my studies since from Reiki to PSI with what I have learned. Also the "parking spot" tool works well with traffic lights if your in a bind. I have also used it for bargain shopping.

Thank you Amy & ULC Seminary for offering this course.

Tishanne

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

Spirit Quest

Final Essay by Rev. Susan Mikesic

When I initially enrolled in the Spirit-Quest course, I thought I wanted to divorce my husband. Since then, we received some couples counseling, I received some individual counseling, and I completed the Spirit Quest course. And we decided to stay together. I think the Spirit Quest course was a piece of the patchwork quilt that helped me resolve my difficulties in my marriage.

My Spiritual Goal, which I set in the first lesson, was to be in a sacred, loving, sexually satisfying relationship. Also, I wanted to find happiness in life. I was suffering at the time from what was probably a clinical depression. At one point, I took a test that is used for screening patients for symptoms of depression. Out of nine possible symptoms, I had all nine! Including a wish to die! Things were not looking good for me. Since then, I have recovered my composure, and I do not have ANY of these symptoms in a severe way. Thank goodness, and thanks to our counselors, and thanks to the skills I learned.

Some of my favorite skills that I learned from the Spirit Quest course:

· I now have these friendly Velcro Roses, that I use to clean my aura or clear any negativity that I have been subjected to.

· I use the Grounding Cord imagery to calm and center myself

· I remind myself to be amused, and when I can’t be amused, I allow myself to be amused by my own lack of amusement

· I have become more aware of how Spirit is communicating with me, through:

o Pictures

o Words

o Dreams

· I have learned to ask the right questions when communicating with Spirit

· I have identified myself as a Future thinker and have chosen to live more in the Present moment.

And, finally, I have renewed my understanding that happiness is my own choice. I am apparently more open to happiness these days, since I am experiencing more of it than I had been previously.

Susan Mikesic

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar